THE POWER OF COLLABORATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING

Problems are the things that no one ever seeks, the stuff that folk choose to ignore and try really hard to forget; but sometimes problems hang around until people sit down and take the time to properly solves them. The book of JOB in the Bible described problems as a “Man that is born of a woman is of few days and full of trouble” (Job 14:1). This statement explains why individuals can feel stressed and hopeless no matter how young or old they are. However, if there is a problem shouldn’t there also be a solution for that problem? Also, would it not make sense for intelligent people to collaborate to create solutions for problems if one does not exist? I believe the reason why many problems are passed down from one generation to the next is because those who are negatively impacted by the problems complain, discuss, and protest but never really sit down to collaboratively solve the problems and prevent them from continuing on to the next generation.

Here are five steps that I have developed to solve social justice problems that are related to Black native born descendants of slavery in the United States,

  • Identify at least one problem at a time.
  • Take a step back and look at the entire situation and gather all of the facts to make informed decisions.
  • Discuss what you have discovered about the problem with other leaders, critical thinkers and problem solvers.
  • Work collaboratively with others do devise a plan for one problem at a time until the most crucial concerns are resolved.
  • Take the time to celebrate victories and never settle for defeat!

If we are honest, we must admit that there are too many intelligent and good intentioned people in this world to allow social injustice to continue not only to spread but intensify with cruelty.